Physical Growth and Development in Infancy

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary pertaining to physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development in infants as discussed in the lecture notes.

Cephalocaudal Pattern

The sequence in which growth occurs from the top of the body down to the bottom.

Proximodistal Pattern

The sequence in which growth starts at the center of the body and moves toward the extremities.

Milestones

Significant stages in physical development such as sitting, crawling, and walking.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

A condition where infants suddenly stop breathing, usually during sleep.

Developmental Plasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Neural Pathways

Connections between neurons that strengthen as a child learns and experiences new things.

Reflexes

Automatic responses to stimuli that newborns have, such as rooting and sucking.

Object Permanence

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.

Joint Attention

When two individuals focus on the same object or event, fostering social communication.

Lateralization

The specialization of function in one hemisphere of the brain.

Myelination

The process of encasing axons with fat cells to speed up neural transmission.

Temperament

An individual’s behavioral style and characteristic way of responding to the environment.